Sunday letters

We need gender menders in placeWith reference to Samar Khurshid and Shalini Singh's article India is no country for us, say women (Focus, February 10), the discrimination felt by women in our society is nothing new. In the name of societal pressure, girls and women are repeatedly asked by family members to compromise on their freedom. Will India ever be able to give its women a free and progressive environment?Florence Masih, Delhi

IIThe failure of our law and order machinery has created an extremely unsafe environment for women. Not only should our laws be strengthened, they must also be effectively implemented. To ensure respect for women, parents and schools must do away with all forms of gender discrimination. Mahesh Kumar, via email

It's generated sympathy for himI agree with the views put forward in the article Modi wins this round (Chanakya, March 10). By withdrawing its invitation to Narendra Modi, the Wharton Business School has engineered greater sympathy for the Gujarat chief minister and has also inadvertently humiliated itself. The school would have done better by asking the BJP leader some relevant, difficult and pressing questions. Ramesh Agarwal, Kanpur

IIChanakya correctly denounces the ivory-tower mindset of some Indo-American UPenn academics. The author rightly argues that Modi's strength is electoral legitimacy and the fight against him must be confined to that arena. Using intellectual rhetoric against an elected politician seems utterly futile. M Ratan, Delhi

Time to lead from the frontKaran Thapar's article Rahul's renunciation (Sunday Sentiments, March 10) seems to have missed the mark. The Congress' continuing electoral failings in states like Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh appear to have dented Rahul Gandhi's confidence. It is well known that Rahul Gandhi enjoys immense power in his party, as also in the government. Unfortunately his influence doesn't seem to have translated into any substantial change. If Rahul does not do away with his party's high command culture, he will not be able to prove his credentials for leading a new government. Yogesh Tiwari, Bhopal

Uncivil ways in a civil scoietyWith reference to Indrajit Hazra's article Our security threat (Red Herring, March 10), the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) has rightly been criticised by many. Army personnel have misused this Act to abuse several unarmed and innocent civilians in Jammu and Kashmir and in some North-east states. Despite being in existence for so long, AFSPA has not helped tackle insurgency. Laws must never disturb civil society, and only a mature polity can ensure peace. In J&K, for instance, it is the responsibility of both the state government and the Centre to invite all the parties concerned for an open dialogue. This will open the doors for the holistic development of the state and its people. P Saravana Durai, Mumbai

We have to grin and bear itManas Chakravarty in Real animal spirits (Loose Canon, March 10) cleverly exposes the animal spirits of our politicians. Their behaviour in Parliament and state assemblies is proof enough. But despite his thoroughness, he has forgotten to give suitable recognition to the bear. Not only does the furry beast have stamina, he also has a strong belly. Just like our corrupt politicians, the animal can digest huge amounts. Manish Chandra, via email